53.This section requires local authorities to map relevant bodies of water and sustainable urban drainage systems in their areas. Subsection (2) provides for local authorities to choose the scale of these maps and it also enables the Scottish Ministers to specify the form and content of maps in regulations.

54.“Relevant body of water” is defined in subsection (5). The definition includes most bodies of surface water as well as underground stretches of watercourses. It excludes stretches of coastal water, sewers and drains which drain into sewers, and watercourses which are wholly underground. Section 55 applies the definitions of “body of surface water” and “watercourse” from the 2003 Act. “Sustainable urban drainage system” is defined in section 59(1) of the Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968.

55.The first maps must be prepared by a date set by the Scottish Ministers. They must then be reviewed by local authorities from time to time and updated where appropriate.

56.Subsection (4) provides that the maps must be made available for public inspection. This requirement should be read with section 53, which contains detailed provisions about making documents publicly available.

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